When I had first thrown the idea out on Instagram for me to do a post about alternatives to items in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, y’all were FLOORED! Instead of doing a post about Amazon dupes though or limiting myself to a certain retailer, I’m talking about the best items on the internet. These are either a better deal, better quality, or better fit than some of the things I tried on during the sale. A few of them will be familiar to you too because I’ve shared them before! Here goes…
If you have another dupe that you love, let us know! I’d love to find alternatives especially for people that aren’t able to shop the sale until next week OR had their orders partially cancelled because things went out of stock so quickly!
1. Lace Cami
NSALE BP Lace Cami | Abercrombie Lace Cami
The quality of the BP lace cami from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was pretty low honestly. To the point where I am shocked it already sold out in some of the colors! The material felt like a cheap silk and won’t last a wash. The Abercrombie lace cami is cuter with the 3 buttons (there is one without buttons in purple and one with subtle dots too) and it lasts longer. Not only that but it’s cheaper if you snag it during an Abercrombie sale.
2. Beauty Blenders
NSALE Beauty Blenders | Amazon Beauty Blenders
If you have the budget to splurge on the real deal, that’s totally okay! However, I’d rather pay $1.80 per beauty blender for the Amazon version than $17.50 per beauty blender for the Nordstrom Sale ones. That is almost 10 times more expensive!! Sure, the Nordstrom ones come with a case but how long do you really use beauty blenders for? They’re not a priority item where you need to splurge especially since no one but you and your significant other are going to see it. You can get 5 for $8.99 from Amazon and they’re softer, bigger, last longer, and work better than the real deal.
3. V-neck Tees
The quality of the BP tees in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is always low. I bought them one year and learned my lesson when they started unraveling after one wash. Not to mention they shrank a few inches and a boxy v-neck tee crop top isn’t cute on me. So, it’s costing you $12 for one wear. The Madewell Whisper tee is worth the $8 more because you can wear it at least a year and it survives the washer/dryer. That means it’s 38 cents per wear if you wear it once a week (which I do). I bought 3 of them in white because they come in handy so much and I didn’t want to have to do laundry that regularly!
4. Leather Tote
NSALE Tory Burch Tote | Cuyana Structured Work Tote
I’m going to preface this by saying I’m not a hardcore Tory Burch girl. I think they brand makes great quality pieces and the bags in the NSALE including this tote are great quality (I felt them).If you’re a Tory Burch girl, don’t feel guilty about splurging on the tote! If the brand name is worth it to you, no one is going to judge you for that. However, the Cuyana tote is my favorite for work and it’s $150 cheaper. They last through all weather (I’ve really put mine to the test this year) and hold a laptop perfectly. There is a little more space in the Cuyana tote and slightly less structure which works well for me since I carry a ton of random shaped objects in my work bag on any given day (shoes, SodaStream bottles, Tupperware, etc.). Not to mention you don’t have the Tory Burch logo and you can get it monogrammed with your initials if you’re a monogram girl. There are more color options too.
5. Denim
NSALE Good American Denim | AE Denim
After browsing the sale and being really disappointed my favorite Paige jeans weren’t part of it this year, I happened to try on the Good American jeans in store. They were good but they were a little too loose in the calves and ankles (and I have larger ones). The material was great and they fit really well, however, I know I struggle to style things that aren’t tight on the calf especially with boots and booties. Instead, I’d recommend these American Eagle jeans for $19.99. They’re 1/5th the price so you don’t have to feel guilty and the waist is a little higher which I always love. Yes, the probably is slightly worse but if you’re looking for quality, wait for the Paige jeans to go on sale and get the AE ones in the meantime.
6. Turtleneck Sweater
I found another NSALE item that was better than this this Cowl Neck Sweater and it’s the Free People sweater that everyone is loving. It’s a steal with the sale price and the quality is on par with the regular one (not in the sale). Definitely size down but if it’s not available in your size, it will be back this fall so don’t worry.
7. Layering Cami
NSALE Layering Tank | Nordstrom Layering Cami
This seamless tank was in the NSALE last year and I got it but was really disappointed in the fit. The front was a little awkward at least on me and went up a little too high. Maybe it was the cut of the ‘v’ too. Halogen also makes a cami version. I’d just stick with these BP camis though. I know it’s shocking that I’m recommending a BP item but they’re legit. They’re lower in price and more versatile. Just size up.
8. Crossbody Bag
NSALE Tory Burch Crossbody | Cuyana Crossbody
Similar to the totes above, the Tory Burch bags are great if you’ve always wanted one. However, if you’re looking for great quality (without being cheap) for a less, try Cuyana. They have so many cute bags, accessories, and travel kits. Plus they’re a sustainable brand.
9. Leggings
NSALE Zella Leggings | Amazon Leggings
What I’m about to say goes for ALL the Zella leggings in the sale. I know that some people swear by Zella but the Amazon leggings are the exact same quality IMO. Sure, you might have fewer prints but there are just as many color options for half the price if you look on Amazon. While neither are Lululemon dupe like so many bloggers claim, they’re decent. If you’re looking for the perfect pair of leggings to suck you in, save up for Lululemon. The Lululemon ones will last you longer and be better for your wallet in the long run. However, if you’re on a budget or have perfectly sculpted legs, the Amazon leggings are just as good as Zella!
10. Facial Device
NSALE NuFACE | Amazon Gold Beauty Bar
In full disclosure, I haven’t tried NuFACE. However, don’t overextend yourself by purchasing a $218 device when you can get something similar for $9.99. Does the NuFACE have better results? Maybe! If you’re tried it, let me know! But with the other beauty deals in the NSALE being a little bit underwhelming (I heavily caveated my picks here), I couldn’t justify paying 20 times as much as the gold beauty bar that I use every night.
11. Sandals
If you’re looking for items that you can wear now, get these sandals from DSW instead. I like the narrower bands because they will elongate your leg versus the thick straps on the Nordstrom ones. While you’re at it, check out some of my other DSW favorites.
12. Grandpa Sneaker
I’m sorry, I just still can’t get on board with this trend! Grandpa sneakers and biker shorts KILL me!
Have any other dupes that you like? Leave them below!
Big LOL at the grandpa sneaker…don’t understand the trend except maybe that they’re comfy but also kinda look like they’re hard to walk in?? Agree on the Zella stuff…I think sometimes bloggers will say whatever to get their commission…your honesty is refreshing!